05.13
What if Jesus left me? Thoughts on John 16:4-7.
As Jesus tells His disciples of His imminent departure, they grow sorrowful. Yet, it seems to be more about them and their loss. Jesus even asks them, “…none of you asks me, “Where are you going?’” Partly, this is why I relate with the disciples so much…they are human like me. They give me hope, because they are me and in spite of that they changed the world.
But, what if Jesus was leaving me because He had other places to go and other people to reach (Mark 1:38). Would I be anxious to go with Him or would I just be sorrowful for myself that He was leaving. Would I be more concerned with how I felt or His mission? And would I suddenly wake up like the disciples and realize that if I always want Him with me I must go with Him. It’s not about Him staying with me…it’s about me staying with Him. Would I understand this isn’t first and foremost about geography…because while He is going into all the world…all the world includes my next-door neighbor, my work-mates and the like.
Would I just remain sorrowful and reinvent my life without Him as the center? Would I just call to Him in times of need and rail at Him when He doesn’t show up at my command? Would I be satisfied without the thrill of Him?
Oh, Jesus! I am so human. I am so like my brothers…your disciples. Yet Lord…let my first question always be…Where are you going?…and…Can I go with you? Let me be quick to move. Let me be quick to adjust my style and preference for the sake of those you miss. Jesus…forgive me for loving my life too much and you too little.
Yes…I agree with you…it was better for you to return to our Father so your Spirit could be with me. Okay, Spirit of Jesus…where are we going today? Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to love. Yes…I believe…people today are waiting to know Jesus. You, Spirit of God are revealing Jesus to them and drawing them to our Father. I believe…help my unbelief, help my idol of self, help my fear of rejection (man), help my laziness…oh, how I could go on. I want to be about our Father’s business. Lead on. I go with you!
John 16:4-7 (The Message)
“I didn’t tell you this earlier because I was with you every day. But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, ‘Where are you going?’ Instead, the longer I’ve talked, the sadder you’ve become. So let me say it again, this truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send him to you.”
